Jim Foley Update

[Jim_Alaska]

Over the last few months before Jim had his surgery - in my grief now - I had forgotten. In Jim's prayers, that I heard, he often dwelled on his home in heaven and distinguished it from his home in heaven and his home on earth. To most people that may not mean anything, but for me, it told a lot. He had never really done that before a few months ago.

Now that he is not waking up, the doctors have their reasons why. His brain is severely damaged by the stroke. If he did wake up it is likely that he wouldn’t be able to see, speak, feed himself, or breathe on his own. He has also developed an infection (Pneumonia) in his lungs. But I think there is an added reason - he doesn't want to wake up. He really has nothing to look forward to, he hated what the neuropathy was doing to him and it was getting worse, to the point that at some point he wouldn't have been able to do anything but sit in his chair and wait to die, which he felt he was already doing.

I really think he was ready to go months ago, long before he knew about his heart problem. Even though he did have great hope that he would recover from his surgery and feel better and have more energy. I also feel he was torn between the desire to die and leaving me a widow. But there is also that he felt trapped in his body.

So I have decided that I will let him die peacefully. I think he has a few more days before he has to have the stomach feeding portal installed. I have told them not to. It will also be at that time I will have them remove his ventilator so he can pass peacefully. There really is no hope he will recover, but even if there was - recover to what? To continue his neuropathy deterioration? I really think he doesn't want that, and is one reason he hasn't woke up.

I am sorry, so very sorry. Not just for me, but for him, his family, and his close friends. I don't know the exact date they will do this, but it will happen soon. I will go and see him one last time tomorrow and say my goodbyes. I cannot bear to watch him die. This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But he would not want to live like this, and I am abiding by his wishes. Please know, my heart goes out to you.

Linda

[Geowizard]

Linda,

You have done all that you can do. The rest is in the hands of our maker. His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Jim will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy will live on forever in the contributions he has made.

Thank you for all that you have done to keep the members of the Forum up to date and standing by Jim's side.

- Geowizard

[Jim_Alaska]

My husband James (Jim) Foley passed away at 8:24pm - July 29, 2023. He lived a good long life. He didn't think he would make it much past his mid 70s... but he did. Rest in peace My Love.

Linda

[Geowizard]

Linda,

Please accept my deepest condolences. Jim will live forever in our hearts and minds. Rest in peace...

- Geowizard

[Jim_Alaska]

I would like to do one last update. He was buried yesterday. I really don't know what to say other than that. A chapter in my life has ended as his is now gone. I will miss him for a very long time.

I wanted to give an update on the official cause of death: Acute ischemic stroke.

I will again say my condolences to those who loved and cared about him. I am having a gravestone made for him. It is white, about the size of legal paper. It will take months for them to make it, but they will place it on his grave once it is finished. Nicole (his daughter), Jim jr, and I have decided to have this wording on it:

In memory of James David Foley Sr.
Born December 6, 1942 -Died July 29, 2023
Beloved by all who Knew him

I also want to thank all those who donated money so he could have his wish of being buried next to his late wife Marcia Foley.

Thank You
Linda

[Muley]

Condolences to the family and prayers for Jim. He is missed.

[Fleng]

Very sad news Linda. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Fleng